Sharing the Story of Micah’s Backpack

Micah’s Backpack delivered 677 backpacks in the month of September. For a complete picture of the ministry being accomplished through Micah’s Backpack, check out the Sharing the Story September Report.

Check out the new sign on the corner of Merrimac Road and Price’s Fork Road

Class to Help Caregivers

Support U, a program on care giving, will be offered on three consecutive Thursdays in October, the 13th, the 20th and the 27th. In the afternoon, the class will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 2308 Merrimac Road, from 1-3 pm. Respite care for individuals who class participants are watching will be available on site. Each class will be repeated in the evening from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, located at the corner of Prices Fork and Toms Creek Roads. If needed respite care will also be available in the evening.

Support U is a new program of Luther Memorial and St. Michael aimed at making life better for individuals and their caregivers. The program is free and is open to any caregiver. Karen Brown, LPN and Jo Burroughs, RN will teach the classes. Both have been or are currently caring for a loved one. They know first-hand how important it is to reach out to caregivers and provide them with resources. The classes cover: Planning Ahead; Finding, Creating and Using Resources; Self-Care for the Caregiver; Dealing with Memory Loss and Chronic Illness; Communication and Family Dynamics; and Finances. Each class is limited to 15 participants. Register by contacting Luther Memorial Lutheran Church (951-1000 or luther@lmlc.org) or St. Michael Lutheran Church (951-8951 or hope@stmlc.us). The registration deadline is Monday, October 3rd.

Support U is part of the Lutheran Services in America Caregiver Suite, a portfolio of Lutheran branded models, products and programs for strengthening caregiver resources in America’s communities.

Hope for the Holidays

St. Michael, Luther Memorial and Lutheran Family Services of Virginia co-sponsor a grief support group called Hope for the Holidays to provide help to those who are grieving. You can find information on the group and how to get involved by downloading the Hope for the Holidays Flyer.

First Reponder Cards and Sunday School Brunch

Here are a few photos from the Sunday School Brunch and of people signing “Thank You” cards for first responders.

On September 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a free clinic for vaccine protection for pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria at the Christian Life Center of the Blacksburg Methodist Church (the old St. Mary’s church building on Harding Avenue). Vaccine protection fades with time, so adults need a booster shot. Experts recommend adults receive a tetanus and diphtheria booster (called Td) every 10 years and substitute a Tdap vaccine (includes pertussis) for one of the boosters. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for adults and adolescents who are around infants. Children 7-10 years old who are not fully immunized against pertussis should also receive Tdap.

Vaccinations are free, but please bring your insurance card if applicable. Sign up with Sandy Birch after church today (or contact her at birch@vt.edu or 951-3455 by Tuesday) to make sure they have sufficient serum next Sunday. Protect yourself and those who you love!